2022 NBA Mock Draft: 5 forwards with Boston Celtics written all over them

Brady Manek, North Carolina 6-9 230
15.1 Pts .403 3P percent 6.1 Reb 1.8 Ast 0.7 Blk

If I was to put down money on who the Boston Celtics would select based on his NCAA Tournament play, it would be on Brady Manek.

Heck, just look at him with his build and unique appearance. If there ever was a person born to follow in Larry Bird’s footsteps in Boston, Manek absolutely looks the part.

Looks aren’t everything, and Manek isn’t Bird, but I’m sure Bird would respect Manek’s three-point shooting. The fifth year senior was a scorching .403 percent for the Tar Heels. That rate isn’t a fluke either. In his four years at Oklahoma, Manek shot .383, .358, .380 and .375. If Boston wants a floor-spacing big man, there may not be a better one available in the second round than Manek.

During the NCAA tournament, Manek played at another level. He averaged 18.8 points, .478 on threes, 8.2 rebounds, 1.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks. He scored a career high 28 points with eleven rebounds in the tournament opener. Manek followed that up with 26 points in round two, and logged a 13-point 13-rebound double-double in the NCAA Championship loss to Kansas.

It’s one thing to have a great game or a great stretch, but to do it on the biggest stage when the stakes are highest is another level. If Manek has the clutch gene, that makes him that much more valuable.

Manek’s shooting comes at a cost, though. He’s a liability on defense, so you’d have to question if Manek’s shooting/floor spacing is worth the points he will give up on the other end. And as great of a shooter Manek is, he shot just .733 on free throws, which is a real head scratcher.

Otherwise, Manek would be a great prospect for shooting/scoring off the bench. He would give the Boston Celtics everything he has whenever he steps on the court. No, Manek is not the next Bird, but if he gets his college number as a pro, Manek in 45 will erase the memory of Raef LaFrentz.